Microfluidic delivery system for releasing fluid compositions

ABSTRACT

A microfluidic refill includes a reservoir having a hollow body and an opening; a transport member in fluid communication with the reservoir; and a lid enclosing the opening of the reservoir. The lid is in fluid communication with the transport member. The lid comprises a rigid microfluidic delivery member. The rigid microfluidic delivery member includes a die and electrical traces that are in electrical communication with the die, wherein the electrical traces terminate at electrical contacts, wherein the electrical traces are disposed on only one plane. The die has a fluid chamber in fluid communication with the transport member at an inlet of the fluid chamber and with an orifice at an outlet of the fluid chamber and.

FIELD

The present disclosure generally relates to a system for delivering afluid composition into the air, and, more particularly, relates to amicrofluidic delivery system, including a microfluidic delivery refillfor delivering fluid compositions through thermal activation of thefluid composition, such as perfume compositions, into the air, forexample.

BACKGROUND

Various systems exist to deliver volatile compositions, such as perfumecompositions, into the air by an energized (i.e. electrically/batterypowered) microfluidic atomization. Recent attempts have been made todeliver scents using thermally activated microfluidic delivery systems,and, particularly, thermal inkjet systems. Some of these attempts aredirected to printing ink-based scented fluids onto a substrate orsurface medium using methods similar to those for printing ink onto asubstrate or surface.

Thermal inkjet technology utilizes a replaceable cartridge that containsfluid and a micro-electro-mechanical system (“MEMS”) based print headthat controls the release of the fluid from the cartridge. Somecartridges for printing fluid onto a substrate include a flexiblecircuit to provide electrical communication between the cartridge andthe dispensing device. In order to locate the substrate to be printed inclose proximity with the inkjet cartridge, the electrical connections onthe inkjet cartridge must be positioned away from the substrate. As aresult, the electrical connections on the flexible circuit may bedisposed on a different plane as an orifice where the ink is releasedfrom the inkjet cartridge. Thus, when inserting a new inkjet cartridgeinto the printer, the inkjet cartridge needs to be connected with theprinter relative to at least two planes. This may cause limitations inthe design of the printer and the access to the inkjet cartridge, aswell as increase the complexity of replacing the inkjet cartridge.Moreover, some flexible circuit structures are relatively complicated tomanufacture and to attach to a cartridge of a complex shape.

Further, the flexible circuit structures may be made of expensivematerials such as polyimide. In addition, the flexibility of the circuitboard may have poor electrical connection between the inkjet cartridgeand the printer. This is due to the fact that the connection points ofthe flexible circuit structure may oxidize over time, especially in thepresence of certain chemical vapors, causing the electrical connectionbetween the inkjet cartridge and the printer to be diminished.

As a result, it would be beneficial to provide a microfluidic deliverysystem for delivering a fluid composition into the air that usesrelatively inexpensive circuit boards that are also easy to manufacture.Moreover, it would be beneficial to provide a microfluidic deliverysystem that provides for strong and reliable electrical connectionbetween the refill and the microfluidic delivery system. In addition, itwould be beneficial to provide a microfluidic delivery system and refillthat are relatively simple to replace.

SUMMARY

Aspects of the present disclosure include a microfluidic delivery refillcomprising a reservoir having a hollow body and an opening; a transportmember in fluid communication with the reservoir; and a lid enclosingthe opening of the reservoir. The lid is in fluid communication with thetransport member. The lid comprises a rigid microfluidic deliverymember. The microfluidic delivery member comprises a die and electricaltraces that are in electrical communication with the die. The electricaltraces terminate at electrical contacts. The electrical traces aredisposed on only one plane. The die comprises a fluid chamber in fluidcommunication with the transport member at an inlet of the fluid chamberand an orifice at an outlet of the fluid chamber.

Aspects of the present disclosure include a thermally activatedmicrofluidic delivery system comprising a housing and a refillreleasably connectable with the housing. The refill comprises areservoir having a hollow body and an opening and a lid enclosing theopening of the reservoir. The lid comprises a rigid microfluidicdelivery member. The microfluidic delivery member comprises a die andelectrical traces that are in electrical communication with the die. Theelectrical traces terminate at electrical contacts. The electricaltraces are disposed on only one plane. The housing defines an interiorand an exterior of the microfluidic delivery system. The housingcomprises a holder member disposed in the interior space of the housing.The fluid delivery refill is slideably connects with the holder member.

Aspects of the present disclosure include a method of refilling athermally activated microfluidic delivery system with a refill, whereinthe refill comprises reservoir having a hollow body and an opening, alid enclosing the opening of the reservoir. The lid comprises amicrofluidic delivery member having a die and electrical traces that arein electrical communication with the die. The electrical tracesterminate at electrical contacts. The electrical traces are disposed ononly one plane. The method comprising the steps of: providing a housingthat defines an interior and an exterior, wherein the housing comprisesa holder member disposed in the interior of the housing; and sliding thefluid delivery refill into the holder member in a direction parallelwith the plane the electrical traces are disposed on.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a schematic, perspective view of a microfluidic deliverysystem.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a holder member and a refill of amicrofluidic delivery system.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a refill.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a microfluidic delivery member.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a cylindrical-shaped reservoir of arefill.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a cube-shaped reservoir of a refill.

FIG. 7A is a sectional view of the refill of FIG. 3 taken along line7A-7A.

FIG. 7B is a detailed view of portion 7B of FIG. 7A.

FIG. 8 is a front, elevation view of a transport member of a refill.

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a lid of a refill.

FIG. 10 is a schematic, side elevation view of a refill having amicrofluidic delivery member integral with a lid of the refill.

FIG. 11 is a schematic top, plan view of die of a microfluidic deliverymember.

FIG. 12 is a sectional view of the die of FIG. 11 taken along line12-12.

FIG. 13 is a detailed view of portion 13 of FIG. 12.

FIG. 14 is a schematic, side elevation view of a microfluidic deliverymember and a portion of a holder member.

FIG. 15 is a schematic, side elevation view of a microfluidic deliverymember and a portion of a holder member.

FIG. 16 is a schematic, side elevation view of a microfluidic deliverymember and a portion of a holder member.

FIG. 17 is a sectional view of the microfluidic delivery member of FIG.4 taken along line 17-17.

FIG. 18 is a perspective view of a printed circuit board, having anouter covering the printed circuit board removed to show the internaldetails.

FIG. 19 is a perspective view of a printed circuit board, havingportions removed to show details of the electrical connections.

FIG. 20 is a schematic, side elevation view of a microfluidic deliverysystem having a refill with a flat, horizontally oriented top wall of alid.

FIG. 21 is a schematic, perspective view of a refill having amicrofluidic delivery member connected with a side wall of a lid.

FIG. 22 is a schematic, side elevation view of a microfluidic deliverysystem having a refill disposed at an angle.

FIG. 23 is a schematic, perspective view of a refill having a lid withan angled top wall.

FIG. 24 is a schematic, side elevation view of a microfluidic deliverysystem having a refill with an angled top wall of a lid.

FIG. 25 is a schematic, perspective view of a refill having amicrofluidic delivery member disposed at an angle relative to a top wallof a lid.

FIG. 26 is a schematic, perspective view of a refill that is configuredto deliver a fluid composition to a die in a direction parallel with theforce of gravity.

FIG. 27 is a schematic, side elevation view of a microfluidic deliverysystem having a refill that is configured to deliver a fluid compositionto a die in a direction parallel with the force of gravity.

FIG. 28 is a schematic, side elevation view of a microfluidic deliverysystem configured with battery-power.

FIG. 29 is a perspective view of a die showing the fluid channel, fluidchambers, and orifices of the die.

FIG. 30 is a detailed view of portion 30 of the die of FIG. 29.

FIG. 31 is a detailed view of portion 31 of the die of FIG. 30.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Various non-limiting configurations of the present disclosure will nowbe described to provide an overall understanding of the principles ofthe structure, function, manufacture, and use of the microfluidicdelivery systems for delivering fluid compositions into the airdisclosed herein. One or more examples of these non-limitingconfigurations are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Those ofordinary skill in the art will understand that the microfluidic deliverysystems described herein and illustrated in the accompanying drawingsare non-limiting example configurations and that the scope of thevarious non-limiting embodiments of the present disclosure are definedsolely by the claims. The features illustrated or described inconnection with one non-limiting configuration may be combined with thefeatures of other non-limiting configurations. Such modifications andvariations are intended to be included within the scope of the presentdisclosure.

The present disclosure includes a microfluidic delivery system fordelivering a fluid composition into the air. For example, themicrofluidic delivery system may be used to deliver a perfumecomposition into the air. The microfluidic delivery system comprises ahousing defining an interior and an exterior of the microfluidicdelivery system and a holder member disposed in the interior of themicrofluidic delivery system. The microfluidic delivery system includesa refill that is releasably connectable with the holder member of thehousing. The microfluidic delivery system also includes a power source.The refill is configured to thermally activate a fluid composition torelease the fluid composition into the air.

The refill of the present disclosure includes a reservoir for holding afluid composition, a transport member that is in fluid communicationwith the reservoir, and a lid that encloses the opening of thereservoir. The lid comprises a rigid microfluidic delivery member fordelivering the fluid composition into the air. The microfluidic deliverymember includes a microfluidic die. The term “microfluidic die”, as usedherein means a die comprising a fluid injection system made using asemiconductor micro fabrication process such as thin film deposition,passivation, etching, spinning, sputtering, masking, epitaxy growth,wafer/wafer bonding, micro thin-film lamination, curing, dicing, etc.These processes are known in the art to make MEMs devices. Microfluidicdies may be made from silicon, glass, or a mixture thereof. Themicrofluidic die comprises a plurality of microfluidic chambers, eachcomprising a corresponding actuation element: a heating element or anelectromechanical actuator. In this way, the microfluidic die's fluidinjection system may be micro thermal nucleation (e.g. via heatingelement) or micro mechanical actuation (e.g. via thin film piezoelectricor ultrasonics). One type of microfluidic die suitable for themicrofluidic delivery system of the present invention is an integratedmembrane of nozzles obtained via MEMs technology as described in U.S.2010/0154790, assigned to STMicroelectronics S.R.I., Geneva,Switzerland. In the case of thin film piezo, the piezoelectric materialis typically applied via spinning and/or sputtering processes. Thesemiconductor micro fabrication process allows one to simultaneouslymake one or thousands of MEMS devices in one batch process (a batchprocess comprises of multiple mask layers). The microfluidic deliverymember includes a die having a fluid chamber with an inlet and anoutlet. The inlet of the fluid chamber is in fluid communication withthe transport member and the outlet of the fluid chamber is in fluidcommunication with an orifice. The microfluidic delivery member alsocomprises electrical leads that terminate at electrical contacts toprovide electrical communication from the power source of themicrofluidic delivery system to the die of the microfluidic deliverymember. The electrical leads are disposed on only one plane. Theelectrical contacts and the die may be disposed on substantiallyparallel planes, and, in some exemplary configurations, the electricalcontacts and the die may be disposed on the same plane. The orifice ofthe die may open in a direction that is perpendicular to the plane theelectrical leads are disposed upon.

The refill may be slideably connectable with the housing. The refill maybe inserted into the microfluidic delivery system by sliding the refillinto the holder member in a direction parallel with the plane theelectrical traces are disposed on. A wall of the holder member maycomprise electrical contacts that are configured to connect with theelectrical contacts of the refill. The electrical contacts of the refillmay have a top surface that connects to the electrical contacts of theholder member.

In operation, the fluid composition travels from the reservoir, into thetransport member, and into the die. In the die, the fluid compositiontravels into the fluid chamber and is heated in order to volatilize aportion of the fluid composition, producing a vapor bubble that causes adroplet of fluid composition to be released through the orifice of thedie. The droplet of fluid composition is released from the refill andexits through the aperture of the housing into the air.

Once the fluid composition is depleted from the refill, the refill maybe removed from the housing and a new refill may be connected with thehousing of the microfluidic delivery system. In other exemplaryconfigurations, the refill may be refilled with additional fluidcomposition once the fluid composition is depleted.

The microfluidic delivery member may be configured as a separatecomponent that is attached with the lid, or may be integrally formedwith the lid. In an exemplary configuration wherein the microfluidicdelivery member is a separate element, the microfluidic delivery membermay be configured in the form of a circuit board that includes the dieand the electrical contacts. The circuit board may be comprised of arigid material to provide a robust mechanical interface betweenelectrical contacts on the circuit board and electrical contacts on theholder member. In such an exemplary configuration, the circuit board maybe connected with the exterior of the lid. In other exemplaryconfigurations, the microfluidic delivery member may be integrallyformed with the lid. In such an exemplary configuration, the lid may becomposed of a rigid material to provide a strong electrical connectionwith the electrical contacts on the holder member.

While the present disclosure discusses the use of a microfluidicdelivery system for delivering perfume compositions into the air, it isto be appreciated that the microfluidic delivery system of the presentdisclosure may be used to delivery various other fluid compositions intothe air. For example, the microfluidic delivery system may be used todeliver cosmetic compositions, lotion compositions, cleaningcompositions, and various other compositions for use in any industry.

As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, a microfluidic delivery system 100 comprisesa housing 102 defining an interior 104 and an exterior 106 of themicrofluidic delivery system 100. The housing 102 may include a holdermember 110 disposed in the interior 104 of the microfluidic deliverysystem 100. The housing 102 may comprise a door 118 for accessing theinterior 104 of the microfluidic delivery system 100. The holder member110 includes an aperture 126. The holder member 110 also includeselectrical contacts 124.

The microfluidic delivery system 100 also includes a refill 108 that isreleasably connectable with the holder member 110. The refill 108 mayuse thermal heating to release a fluid composition contained within therefill 108 into the air. The refill 108 may be releasably connectablewith the housing 102. The housing 102 includes an aperture 118 fordelivering a fluid composition from the refill 108 into the air at theexterior 106 of the microfluidic delivery system 100. The aperture 126of the holder member 110 and the aperture 118 of the housing 102 arealigned. The microfluidic delivery system 100 also includes a powersource 120 that is in electrical communication with the electricalcontacts 124 of the holder member 110.

In some exemplary configurations, as shown in FIG. 2, the refill 108 isslideably connectable with the holder member 110. The refill 108 may bereleasably connected or slideably connected with the holder member 110in various ways. For example, the refill 108 may be connected with theholder member 110 using a lock and key system to minimize the likelihoodthat an improper refill is used in the microfluidic delivery system 100.

As shown in FIG. 3, the refill 108 includes a reservoir 130 for holdinga fluid composition 122, a transport member 132 that is in fluidcommunication with the reservoir 130, and a lid 134 that encloses thereservoir 130. The lid 134 comprises a rigid microfluidic deliverymember 136 for delivering the fluid composition 122 contained within thereservoir 130 into the air.

With reference to FIGS. 3 and 4, the microfluidic delivery member 136includes a die 140 and electrical leads 142 that provide electricalcommunication from the power source of the microfluidic delivery systemto the die 140 of the microfluidic delivery member 136. The electricalleads 142 of the microfluidic delivery member 136 comprise electricalcontacts 144 disposed at an end portion of the electrical leads 142 mostdistant from the die 140. With reference to FIGS. 2 and 4, theelectrical contacts 144 of the microfluidic delivery member 136 are inelectrical communication with the electrical contacts 124 of the holdermember 124.

With reference to FIG. 5, the reservoir 130 is configured as a hollowbody for containing a fluid composition therein. The reservoir 130 mayinclude one or more adjoining walls 150, a base 152 connected with thewalls 150, and an opening 154 opposite the base 152. The reservoir 130may be configured in various different shapes. For example, thereservoir 130 may have a cylindrical shape as shown in FIG. 5, or mayhave a cube-like shape as shown in FIG. 6. The reservoir 130 maycomprise various materials, including glass or rigid polymeric materialssuch as polyester or polypropylene. The reservoir 130 may be configuredto have various different dimensions. For example, the reservoir 130 mayhave a height H_(R) of from about 20 mm to about 60 mm, and the base 152may have a width W_(R) of from about 15 mm to about 40 mm. The reservoirmay be transparent, translucent, or opaque. In some exemplaryconfigurations, a single microfluidic delivery system may be configuredto receive refills 108 having various different size reservoirs 130 forcontaining different amounts of fluid composition.

With reference to FIGS. 3 and 7A, in some exemplary configurations, thetransport member 132 is a porous structure that provides capillaryforces to draw the fluid composition 122 from the reservoir 130 and tothe microfluidic delivery member 136. The transport member 132 maydefine a first end portion 160, a second end portion 162, and a centralportion 164 separating the first and second end portions 160 and 162.The first end portion 160 of the transport member 132 is in fluidcommunication with the fluid composition 122 and the second end portion162 is in fluid communication with the die 140. The second end portion162 of the transport member 132 may extend at least partially outsidethe reservoir 130. The first end portion 160 may be in fluidcommunication with the base 152 of the reservoir 130 in order to deliverfluid composition to the die 140 even when the level of fluidcomposition in the reservoir 130 is low. In some exemplaryconfigurations, the transport member 132 may be completely surrounded bythe walls 150 of the reservoir 130. Depending upon the configuration ofthe microfluidic delivery system 100, the fluid composition 122 maytravel up or down the transport member 132. In some exemplaryconfigurations, the fluid composition 122 travels up the transportmember, in opposition to gravity.

In other exemplary configurations, the transport member 132 may beconfigured to deliver fluid composition to the die in other ways. Forexample, the transport member 132 may comprise a mechanical pump totransport the fluid composition from the reservoir 130 to the die 140.In other exemplary configurations, the transport member 132 may comprisea sponge. The transport member 132 may be configured with a spring toprovide pressure to the sponge to feed the fluid composition to the die140. In other exemplary configurations, the refill 108 may bepressurized, using aerosol or a bag-in-bottle technology for example, tofeed the fluid composition to the die 140.

The transport member 132 may be configured to have various differentshapes. For example, the transport member 132 may have a cylindrical asshown in FIG. 8, or an elongate cube shape. The transport member 132 maybe defined by a height H_(T), a length L_(T), and a width W_(T). Thetransport member 132 may have various heights. For example, the heightH_(T) of the transport member 132 may be in the range of about 1 mm toabout 100 mm, or from about 5 mm to about 75 mm, or from about 10 mm toabout 50 mm. The transport member 132 may have various lengths. Forexample, the length L_(T) of the transport member 132 may be in therange of about 15 mm to about 55 mm. The transport member 132 may havevarious widths. For example, the width W_(T) of the transport member 132may be in the range of about 3 mm to about 10 mm.

The transport member 132 may be composed of various materials, such aspolymer fibers or particles. Exemplary polymers used for the transportmember include polyethylene, ultra-high molecular weight polyethelene(UHMW), nylon 6 (N6), polypropylene (PP), polyester fibers, ethyl vinylacetate, polyether sulfone, polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF), andpolyethersulfone (PES), polytetrafluroethylene (PTFE), and combinationsthereof. The transport member 132 may alternatively be composed of othermaterials such as fibrous or particulate metals, and fibrous carbon.

In some exemplary configurations, the transport member 132 is free of apolyurethane foam. Many ink jet refill cartridges use an open cellpolyurethane foam which can be incompatible with some fluidcompositions, such as perfume compositions, over time (e.g. after 2 or 3months) and can break down.

In exemplary configurations where capillary transport is used to deliverfluid composition to the die 140, the transport member may exhibit aneffective pore size. The transport member 132 may exhibit an averageeffective pore size from about 10 microns to about 500 microns,alternatively from about 50 microns to about 150 microns, alternativelyabout 70 microns. The average pore volume of the transport member 132 isfrom about 15% to about 85%, alternatively from about 25% to about 50%,or about 38%.

In some exemplary configurations, such as when the fluid compositioncomprises a perfume composition, the transport member may be configuredwith a high density composition to aid in containing the scent of theperfume composition. In one embodiment, the transport member is madefrom a plastic material chosen from high-density polyethylene (HDPE). Asused herein, a high density transport member may include variousmaterials having a pore diameter or equivalent pore diameter (e.g. inthe case of fiber based wicks) ranging from about 20 microns to about150 microns, alternatively from about 30 microns to about 70 microns,alternatively from about 30 microns to about 50 microns, alternatively,about 40 microns to about 50 microns.

As shown in FIGS. 3 and 7A, the lid 134 is connected with, and providesan enclosure to, the reservoir 130. The lid 134 may be configured invarious ways. The lid 134 may be rigid. The lid 134 may be composed ofvarious materials, including a solid polymeric material such aspolyester or polypropylene. The lid 134 may connect with the reservoir130 in various ways. For example, the lid 134 may be threaded onto thereservoir 130 or may snap onto the reservoir 130 using various types offasteners. In some exemplary configurations, the lid 134 and thereservoir 130 may be integrally formed. In some exemplaryconfigurations, the lid 134 may be releasably connectable with thereservoir 130. While, in other exemplary configurations, the lid 134 maybe permanently or semi-permanently connected with the reservoir 130.

As shown in FIGS. 7A and 9, the lid 134 may comprise a fill port 138 tofill the reservoir 130 with fluid composition. As such, the refill 108may be filled with fluid composition either with the lid 134 connectedwith the reservoir 130, or with the lid 134 removed from the reservoir130.

In some exemplary configurations, the lid 134 may comprise a vent port146 so that air is able to replace the fluid composition which isreleased from the refill 108. The vent port 146 may be in fluidcommunication with a vent channel 148 in the lid 134 that directs theair into the reservoir 130 through a vent port 137 in the microfluidicdelivery member 136.

As shown in FIG. 7A, the lid 134 may comprise an adapter 170 thatconnects the transport member 132 with the lid 134. The adapter 170 maybe integrally formed with the lid 134, or the adapter may be a separatecomponent that is connected with an inner surface 139 of the lid 134.The adapter 170 may be composed of the same material as the lid 134, ormay be composed of a different material. The adapter 170 may be composedof various materials. For example, the adapter 170 may be composed of arigid polymer such as polyester or polypropylene. An exemplary adapteris described in U.S. patent application titled “MICROFLUIDIC DELIVERYSYSTEM”, Attorney Docket No. 13414, filed on Jun. 18, 2014.

As shown in FIG. 7A, the lid 134 includes an aperture 149 to providefluid communication between the transport member 132 and the die 140.

As shown in FIG. 7A, the refill 108 may also comprise a filter 158 toprevent particles from entering the die 140 and clogging the fluidpassages. The filter 158 may be positioned between the transport member132 and lid 134. The filter 158 may be configured as a porous structurehaving interstitial spaces that allow the fluid composition to passeasily, but block particles of a certain size from entering the die 140.For example, the filter 158 may block particles that have a dimensiongreater than about one-third the size of the smallest fluid passage inthe die 140. In some exemplary configurations, the filter 158 isconnected with the lid 134 such that the fluid composition passes fromthe transport member 132, through the filter 158, through the aperture149 in the lid 134, and to the die 140. The filter 158 may be attachedwith the lid 134 using an adhesive, such as an epoxy adhesive, forexample. It is to be appreciated that the transport member 132 may alsoact as a filter, depending upon the size of the particles passingthrough the transport member 132 and the configuration of the transportmember 132.

As discussed above and as shown in FIG. 4, the lid 134 comprises a rigidmicrofluidic delivery member 136. In some exemplary configurations, asshown in FIG. 4, the rigid microfluidic delivery member 136 may beconfigured as a separate component that is connected with the outersurface 135 of the lid 134. In other exemplary configurations, as shownin FIG. 10, the rigid microfluidic delivery member 136 may be configuredas an integral component of the lid 134 and may be disposed on the outersurface 135 of the lid 134.

The microfluidic delivery member 136 includes a die 140 and electricalleads 142 connected with the die 140 that terminate at electricalcontacts 144. As shown in FIGS. 11 and 12, the die 140 comprises a fluidchannel 156 that is in fluid communication with one or more fluidchambers 180. Each fluid chamber 180 has one or more adjoining walls182, an inlet 184, and an outlet 186. The inlet 184 of each fluidchamber 180 is in fluid communication with the fluid channel 156 of thedie 140 and the outlet 186 of each fluid chamber 180 is in fluidcommunication with an orifice 190 of a nozzle plate 188. The fluidchambers 180 may be configured to have various different shapes.

Still referring to FIGS. 11 and 12, the die 140 also comprises a nozzleplate 188 comprising one or more orifices 190. In some exemplaryconfigurations, each orifice 190 may be in fluid communication with theoutlet 186 of a single fluid chamber 180 such that the fluid compositiontravels from the fluid chamber 180, through the orifice 190 of thenozzle plate 188 in fluid communication with the fluid chamber 180, andinto the air. The nozzle plate 188 may be configured in variousdifferent ways. For example, the nozzle may have a thickness L_(N) ofabout 10 microns to about 30 microns, or about 20 microns to about 30microns. The nozzle plate 188 may be composed of various materials. Thenozzle plate 188 may be composed of a dry film or liquid photoresistmaterial. Exemplary materials include rigid dry photoresist materialsuch as TMMF, available from Tokyo Ohka Kogyo Co, Ltd of Japan, TMMR,SU-8, and AZ4562.

In some exemplary configurations, the nozzle plate 188 may comprise atleast 5 orifices, at least 10 orifices, or at least 20 orifices, or fromabout 5 to about 30 orifices. The orifices 190 may be configured to havevarious different shapes. For example, the orifices 190 may be round,square, triangular, or oval. The orifices 190 may be configured to havevarious different widths W_(O). The width W_(O) may be in the range ofabout 15 microns to about 30 microns. It is to be appreciated that thegeometry of the fluid chamber 180 and nozzle plate 188 combine to definethe geometry of a drop of fluid composition that is released from therefill 108.

In some exemplary configurations, as shown in FIG. 4, the orifices 190open in a direction that is perpendicular to, or substantiallyperpendicular to, the plane that the electrical leads 142 are disposedupon. In some exemplary configurations, the orifices 190 may open atvarious other angles relative to the plane that the electrical leads 142are disposed upon.

As shown in FIG. 4, the electrical contacts 144 and the die 140 may beseparated by a distance D₁. The distance D₁ may be in the range of about5 mm to about 30 mm, or about 15 mm to about 30 mm. It is to beappreciated that the distance D₁ allows enough separation between thedie 140 and the electrical contacts 144 to prevent the electricalcontacts 144 from being contaminated with fluid composition that isreleased from the refill 108. Moreover, minimizing the distance D₁minimizes the size of the refill 108 while maintaining the die 140 andthe electrical contacts 144 disposed on substantially the same plane.Minimizing the size of the refill 108 can decrease the cost of therefill 108.

With reference to FIGS. 4 and 13, in some exemplary configurations, theelectrical leads 142 are disposed on only one plane. When the electricalleads 142 are disposed on only one plane, a rigid and inexpensivematerial may be used for the microfluidic delivery member 136. This isin contrast to a typical inkjet cartridge that has the electrical leadsthat are disposed on at least two different planes. In addition, themanufacture of a rigid microfluidic delivery member 136 having theelectrical leads 142 disposed on only one plane is relatively simple ascompared with a flexible member of a typical inkjet refill that isL-shaped in order to separate the electrical contacts and fluid orificethat are located on two different planes.

In some exemplary configurations, as shown in FIGS. 14-16, theelectrical contacts 144 and the die 140 are disposed on substantiallyparallel planes. As used herein, “substantially parallel planes” meansthat the planes are parallel within 0-10 degrees, or, alternatively,within 0-5 degrees. In some exemplary configurations, the electricalcontacts 144 and the die 140 are disposed on the same plane. In such anexemplary configuration, the microfluidic delivery member 136 may becomposed of a rigid material that is relatively inexpensive and easy tomanufacture. Moreover, in such an exemplary configuration, the refillmay be configured to slideably engage with the holder member.

In some exemplary configurations, such as shown in FIG. 15, the die andthe electrical contacts may be located on opposite outer surfaces of themicrofluidic delivery member. In such an exemplary configuration, themicrofluidic delivery member 136 may be composed of a rigid materialthat is relatively inexpensive and easy to manufacture. Moreover, insuch an exemplary configuration, the refill may be configured toslideably engage with the holder member.

With reference to FIGS. 13 and 17, the die 140 may be comprised of asupport substrate 200, conductive layers 202, and one or more polymerlayers 204 that define the walls 182 of the fluid chamber 180. Thesupport substrate 200 provides a supporting structure to the conductiveand polymer layers 202 and 204, and defines the inlet 184 of the fluidchamber 180. The support substrate 200 may be comprised of variousmaterials, such as silicon or glass. The conductive layers 202 aredisposed on the support substrate 200, forming electrical traces 206with high conductivity and heaters 208 with lower conductivity. Othersemi-conductive, conductive, and insulative materials may be depositedto form switching circuits to control electrical signals. A heater 208may be associated with each fluid chamber 180 of the die 140. Thepolymer layers 204 are disposed on the conductive layers 202 and definethe walls 182 of the fluid chamber 180 and the outlet 186 of the fluidchamber 180. The nozzle plate 188 of the die 140 is disposed on thepolymer layers 204.

As discussed above, in some exemplary configurations, the microfluidicdelivery member 136, including the die 140 and electrical components, isconfigured as a separate component that is connected with the lid 134.As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, in such an exemplary configuration, themicrofluidic delivery member 136 may take the form of a printed circuitboard 210. The printed circuit board 210 may be a rigid structure.

As shown in FIG. 18, the printed circuit board 210 may include a basesubstrate 212 that is composed of a rigid material such as afiberglass-epoxy composite substrate material. The printer circuit board210 may also include conductive layers on top and/or bottom surfaces ofthe printer circuit board 210. The conductive layers include theelectrical leads 142 and electrical contacts 144 and may be composed ofa metal material such as copper.

With reference to FIG. 19, the die 140 may be attached to the printedcircuit board 210 through the use of adhesive, such as an epoxyadhesive. The electrical connection from the die 140 to the printedcircuit board 210 may be established by a wire bonding process, wheresmall wires 220 are thermally attached to bond pads 222 on the die 140and to corresponding bond pads 224 on the printed circuit board 210. Thesmall wires 220 may be composed of gold or aluminum, for example. Anencapsulant material 226, such as an epoxy compound, may be applied tothe bonded areas between the wires 220 and the bond pads 222 and 224 toprotect the delicate connections from mechanical damage and otherenvironmental effects.

The conductive layers are arranged into conductive paths through anetching process. The conductive paths are protected from mechanicaldamage and other environmental effects in most areas of the printedcircuit board 210 by a photo-curable polymer layer 204, often referredto in the industry as a soldermask layer. In selected areas, such as thefluid composition flow paths and bond pads 222 and 224, the conductivecopper paths may be protected by an inert metal coating such as gold.Other material choices could be tin, silver, or other low reactivity,high conductivity metals.

The inert metal coating in the fluid paths protects the printed circuitboard 210 from potential damage from the fluid composition. Since it isnecessary for the fluid composition to pass through the printed circuitboard 210 to the die 140, the fluid composition may cause degradation ofmore reactive metals such as copper, or metal ions or products ofmetal-fluid chemical reactions could degrade the fluid compositionwithout the use of the inert metal coating. Further, since the basesubstrate 212 could be susceptible to migration of the fluidcomposition, the inert metal coatings of the fluid flow paths containthe fluid composition within the desired flow path.

As shown in FIG. 19, the printed circuit board 210 may have variousthicknesses T_(PCB). The thickness T_(PCB) of the printed circuit board210 may be between about 0.8 mm and about 1.6 mm thick. Printed circuitboards 210 may have conductive layers on one or both sides, or, theprinted circuit board can be constructed in layers to incorporate fouror more conductive layers. In printed circuit boards 210, connectivitybetween conductive layers is achieved by holes or slots which have beenclad in metal through an electroplating process. Such holes or slots areoften termed vias. In some exemplary configurations, the rigid printedcircuit board 210 is of the two-layer type, with a plated slot 230located under the die 140. The plated slot 230 forms the fluid path tothe die 140, and the metal plating forms an impermeable barrier.

As shown in FIG. 10, in other exemplary configurations, the microfluidicdelivery member 136 may be integrally formed with the lid 134. In such aconfiguration, the die 140, electrical leads 142, and electricalcontacts 144 are connected directly with the lid 134, instead of beingattached to the lid 134 as a separate component. In such an exemplaryconfiguration, the rigid material of the lid 134 helps to provide strongelectrical connection between the refill 108 and the holder member 110.

With reference to FIGS. 7A, 7B, and 13, the fluid composition travels ina fluid path from the reservoir 130, through the transport member 132,through the filter 158, through the aperture 149 in the lid 134, intothe die 140, and into the air. The refill 108 functions by balancingcapillary effects in the die 140 and the transport member 132. It is tobe appreciated that the die 140 has the smallest fluid passages in thefluid path, and, therefore, can produce the highest capillary pressuresin the fluid path. Conversely, the transport member 132 is configured tohave a lower capillary pressure than the die 140 such that the fluidcomposition preferentially flows from the transport member 132 to thedie 140. The transport member 132 may be selected to have a relativelysmall porosity and high capillary pressure to aid in the process ofpriming the refill 108, as will be discussed in more detail below.However, in order to maintain priming of the refill 108, it is to beappreciated that the gauge pressure of the fluid composition (withrespect to the surroundings) at the die 140 and at the transport member132, taking into account the highest hydrostatic column pressure fromthe die 140 to the free surface of the fluid composition, cannot be lessthan the maximum capillary pressure capable of being sustained at theorifices.

The transport member 132 provides a fluid pressure at the die 140 thatis slightly below atmospheric pressure. The fluid pressure at the die140 is measured as the hydrostatic column pressure measured from theinterface of the transport member 132 and the die 140 to the freesurface of the fluid composition in which the transport member 132 ispartially immersed. Having the fluid composition within the die 140slightly below atmospheric pressure prevents the fluid composition fromflowing out of the orifices 190 under the influence of hydrostaticpressure or interfacial wetting.

The holder member 110 may be configured in various ways. For example, asshown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the holder member 110 may comprise a top wall112, a bottom wall 114 opposing the top wall 112, and/or a side wall 116extending between the top and bottom walls 112 and 114. In otherexemplary configurations, as shown in FIG. 20, the holder member 110 mayinclude one or more side walls 116 and a bottom wall 114. The side wallor walls 116 and bottom wall 114 may be integrally formed.

The microfluidic delivery member 136 may be disposed in variouslocations on the lid 134 of the refill 108. For example, as shown inFIG. 7A, the microfluidic delivery member 136 may be disposed on a topwall 141 of the lid 134. In other exemplary configurations, such asshown in FIG. 21, the microfluidic delivery member may be disposed on aside wall 143 of the lid 134.

The lid may be configured in various different ways. For example, Insome exemplary configurations, such as shown in FIG. 3, the top wall 141of the lid 134 may be arranged in a substantially flat and horizontalorientation. In such an exemplary configuration, the microfluidicdelivery member 136 may be disposed in a substantially flat andhorizontal orientation. In such an exemplary configuration, the fluidcomposition may release in an upward direction at an angle θ that isabout 90 degrees relative to horizontal.

In some exemplary configurations, such as shown in FIG. 22, the refill108 may be disposed at an angle θ in the housing 102 such that the fluidcomposition releases at an angle between zero degrees and 90 degreesfrom horizontal. In other exemplary configurations, such as shown inFIGS. 23 and 24, the wall of the lid 134 that the microfluidic deliverymember is disposed on, shown as the top wall 141 of the lid 134 in FIGS.23 and 24 for exemplary purposes only, may be angled, and, thus, themicrofluidic delivery member 136 may be disposed at an angle. In such anexemplary configuration, the fluid composition may release at an angle θbetween zero and 90 degrees relative to horizontal. In other exemplaryconfigurations, such as shown in FIG. 25, the lid 134 may be flat andsubstantially horizontally oriented, while the microfluidic deliverymember 136 may be disposed at an angle relative to the wall of the lid134 that the microfluidic delivery member 136 is disposed on, shown asthe top wall 141 of the lid 134 for exemplary purposes only. In such anexemplary configuration, the fluid composition may release at an angle θbetween zero and 90 degrees relative to horizontal.

The fluid composition may be released at various angles from themicrofluidic delivery system. In some exemplary configurations, it maybe desired to release the fluid composition in a direction that isbetween zero and 90 degrees from horizontal. For example, the fluidcomposition may be released in a direction that is between about 40degrees and about 75 degrees from horizontal. Without wishing to bebound by theory, it is believed that releasing the fluid composition ina direction that is between about 40 and about 75 degrees fromhorizontal minimizes the amount of fluid composition that falls onto thehousing 102 and/or onto a surface such as a table or floor. That is,releasing the fluid composition at an angle of 90 degrees fromhorizontal may result in deposition of a portion of the fluidcomposition onto the microfluidic delivery system. Likewise, releasingthe fluid composition at an angle of zero degrees from horizontal mayresult in deposition of a portion of the fluid composition onto thesurface below, such as a floor, countertop, or table.

While it is shown in FIGS. 3 and 7A that the transport member 132 maytransport the fluid composition up, against the force of gravity, it isto be appreciated that in some exemplary configurations, such as shownin FIGS. 26 and 27, the refill 108 may be configured such that the fluidcomposition is fed to the die 140 in the same direction as the force ofgravity acting on the fluid composition. In such an exemplaryconfiguration, the refill 108 may comprise a porous structure to controlthe release of fluid composition from the die 140.

As discussed above, the microfluidic delivery system 100 includes apower source 120. The microfluidic delivery system 100 may be powered byan AC outlet, as shown FIG. 1. Or, in other exemplary configurations,the microfluidic delivery system 100 may be powered by battery-power 121as shown in FIG. 28. In such an exemplary configuration, thebattery-power 121 may be recharcheable using a power source 120.

Priming the Refill

As previously mentioned, the refill 108 of the microfluidic deliverysystem 100 is primed before inserting the refill 108 into the housing102. The refill 108 is primed by removing any air from the transportmember 132, the aperture 149, the filter 158, the lid 134, the slot 230of the printed circuit board 210 (if present) and the die 140. In someexemplary configurations, the nozzles may be sealed after priming toprevent de-priming of the refill 108 or evaporative loss of the fluidcomposition prior to the refill 108 being inserted into the housing ofthe microfluidic delivery system 100.

Operation of the Microfluidic Delivery System

As previously mentioned, the microfluidic delivery system 100 maydeliver a fluid composition 122 from the refill 108 using thermalheating. With reference to FIGS. 1, 3, 7A, 10, and 13, in operation,fluid composition 122 contained within the reservoir 130 wicks up thetransport member 132 toward the lid 134 using capillary force. Afterpassing through the second end portion 162 of the transport member 132,the fluid composition 122 travels through the filter 158, if present,through the aperture 149 in the lid 134, and into the die 140. As shownin FIG. 29-31, the fluid composition 122 travels through the fluidchannel 156 and into the inlet 184 of each fluid chamber 180. The fluidcomposition 122, which is comprised in part by a volatile component,travels through each fluid chamber 180 to the heater 208 of each fluidchamber 180. It is to be appreciated that portions of the die 140 inFIG. 31 are removed to more clearly illustrate movement of a droplet offluid composition through the die 140.

As shown in FIG. 31, the heater 208 vaporizes at least a portion of thevolatile components in the fluid composition 122, causing a vapor bubbleform. The vapor bubble forces a droplet of fluid composition 122 throughthe orifice 190 of the nozzle plate 188. Next, the vapor bubblecollapses and causes the droplet of fluid composition 122 to break awayand release from the orifice 190. The droplet of fluid compositiontravels through the aperture 126 in the holder member 110, through theaperture 118 in the housing 102, and into the air. Fluid composition 122then refills the fluid chamber 180 and the process may be repeated torelease additional droplets of fluid composition 122.

The timing between releases of droplets of fluid composition 122 fromthe microfluidic delivery system may be varied. The flow rate of fluidcomposition released from the microfluidic delivery system 100 may bevaried. For example, the microfluidic delivery system 100 may beconfigured to deliver a fluid composition 122, such as a perfumecomposition, to rooms of various sizes. As such, the flow rate may beadjusted to account for the size of the room. Moreover, in the case of aperfume composition, the flow rate may be adjusted depending upon theuser's preference in scent intensity. In some exemplary configurations,the flow rate of fluid composition 122 released from the refill 108 maybe in the range of about 5 to about 40 mg/hour.

Refilling the System

Once a refill 108 is spent of fluid composition, the spent refill 108may be removed from the holder member 110 of the housing 102 and a newrefill 108 may be inserted into the housing 102. In some exemplaryconfigurations, the refill 108 is inserted into the housing 102 in adirection that is parallel with the plane that the electrical leads aredisposed upon. With reference to FIG. 1, in some exemplaryconfigurations, the refill 108 is inserted into the housing in adirection that is normal to the firing direction of the microfluidicdelivery member 136 and parallel to the plane that the die 140 andelectrical contacts 144 upon.

In some exemplary configurations, the refill 108 is inserted and removedfrom the holder member 110 of the housing by sliding the refill 108relative to the holder member 110. With reference to FIGS. 1 and 2, insome exemplary configurations, the refill 108 may slide into the housingin a left-to-right or right-to-left motion. With reference to FIGS. 26and 27, in other exemplary configurations, the refill 108 may slide intothe housing in an upward or downward motion. For example, with referenceto FIG. 2, in some exemplary configurations, the refill 108 is connectedwith the housing by sliding the refill 108 into the holder member 110such that the reservoir 130 of the refill 108 connects with the bottomand side walls 114 and 116 of the holder member 110 and the lid 134 ofthe refill 108 connects with the top wall 112 of the holder member 110.As shown in FIG. 27, in some exemplary configurations, the refill 108may provide a continuous outer surface to the housing 102. In such anexemplary configuration, the housing 102 may not comprise a door.

It is to be appreciated that the refill 108 may be connected with theholder member 110 in various ways. For example, the refill 108 may bespring-loaded with the holder member 110, and, may have a release buttonto release the refill 108 from the holder member 110. In other exemplaryconfigurations, the refill 108 may engage with a fastener to secure therefill 108 into the holder member 110.

When the electrical contacts 144 are arranged parallel with thedirection of insertion of the refill 108, the engagement of theelectrical contacts 124 of the holder member 110 with the electricalcontacts 144 on the refill 108 may cause abrasion to the electricalcontacts 144 of the refill 108, which can remove oxides and othercontaminants from the surfaces of the electrical contacts 144. As aresult, the quality of electrical connection between the refill 108 andthe housing 102 may be improved or maintained over time. Moreover, therigidity of the microfluidic delivery member 136 provides a relativelystrong electrical connection between the refill 108 and the housing 102.

Fan

In some exemplary configurations, the microfluidic delivery system maycomprise a fan to assist in driving room-fill and to help avoiddeposition of larger droplets from landing on surrounding surfaces thatcould damage the surface. The fan may be any known fan, such as a 5V25×25×5 mm DC axial fan (Series 250, Type255N from EBMPAPST), used inthe art for air freshening systems that delivers 1-1000 cubiccentimeters of air/minute, alternatively 10-100 cubiccentimeters/minute.

Sensors

In some exemplary configurations, the microfluidic delivery system mayinclude commercially available sensors that respond to environmentalstimuli such as light, noise, motion, and/or odor levels in the air. Forexample, the microfluidic delivery system can be programmed to turn onwhen it senses light, and/or to turn off when it senses no light. Inanother example, the microfluidic delivery system can turn on when thesensor senses a person moving into the vicinity of the sensor. Sensorsmay also be used to monitor the odor levels in the air. The odor sensorcan be used to turn-on the microfluidic delivery system, increase theheat or fan speed, and/or step-up the delivery of the fluid compositionfrom the microfluidic delivery system when it is needed.

The sensor may also be used to measure fluid levels in the reservoir orcount firing of the heating elements to indicate the refill'send-of-life in advance of depletion. In such case, an LED light may turnon to indicate the refill needs to be filled or replaced with a newrefill.

The sensors may be integral with the housing or in a remote location(i.e. physically separated from the delivery system housing) such asremote computer or mobile smart device/phone. The sensors maycommunicate with the delivery system remotely via low energy blue tooth,6 low pan radios or any other means of wirelessly communicating with adevice and/or a controller (e.g. smart phone or computer).

Fluid Composition

The fluid composition of the present disclosure may exhibit a viscosityat 20° C. of less than 20 centipoise (“cps”), alternatively less than 18cps, alternatively less than 16 cps, alternatively from about 5 cps toabout 16 cps, alternatively about 8 cps to about 15 cps. And, thevolatile composition may have surface tensions below about 35,alternatively from about 20 to about 30 dynes per centimeter. Viscosityis in cps, as determined using the Bohlin CVO Rheometer system inconjunction with a high sensitivity double gap geometry.

In some embodiments, the fluid composition is free of suspended solidsor solid particles existing in a mixture wherein particulate matter isdispersed within a liquid matrix. Free of suspended solids isdistinguishable from dissolved solids that are characteristic of someperfume materials.

The fluid composition of the present invention comprises a perfumecomposition present in an amount greater than about 50%, by weight ofthe fluid composition, alternatively greater than about 60%,alternatively greater than about 70%, alternatively greater than about75%, alternatively greater than about 80%, alternatively from about 50%to about 100%, alternatively from about 60% to about 100%, alternativelyfrom about 70% to about 100%, alternatively from about 80% to about100%, alternatively from about 90% to about 100%. In some embodiments,the fluid composition may consist entirely of the perfume composition(i.e. 100 wt. %).

The perfume composition may contain one or more perfume materials. Theperfume materials are selected based on the material's boiling point(“B.P.”). The B.P. referred to herein is measured under normal standardpressure of 760 mm Hg. The B.P. of many perfume ingredients, at standard760 mm Hg can be found in “Perfume and Flavor Chemicals (AromaChemicals),” written and published by Steffen Arctander, 1969.

In the present invention, the perfume composition may have a B.P. ofless than 250° C., alternatively less than 225° C., alternatively lessthan 200° C., alternatively less than about 150° C., alternatively lessthan about 120° C., alternatively less than about 100° C., alternativelyabout 50° C. to about 200° C., alternatively about 110° C. to about 140°C. Table 1 lists some non-limiting, exemplary individual perfumematerials suitable for the perfume composition of the present invention.

TABLE 1 B.P. CAS Number Perfume Raw Material Name (° C.) 105-37-3 Ethylpropionate 99 110-19-0 Isobutyl acetate 116 928-96-1 Beta gamma hexenol157 80-56-8 Alpha Pinene 157 127-91-3 Beta Pinene 166 1708-82-3cis-hexenyl acetate 169 124-13-0 Octanal 170 470-82-6 Eucalyptol 175141-78-6 Ethyl acetate 77

Table 2 shows an exemplary perfume composition having a total B.P. lessthan 200° C.

TABLE 2 B.P. CAS Number Perfume Raw Material Name Wt % (° C.) 123-68-2Allyl Caproate 2.50 185 140-11-4 Benzyl Acetate 3.00 214 928-96-1 BetaGamma Hexenol 9.00 157 18479-58-8 Dihydro Myrcenol 5.00 198 39255-32-8Ethyl 2 Methyl Pentanoate 9.00 157 77-83-8 Ethyl Methyl Phenyl Glycidate2.00 260 7452-79-1 Ethyl-2-Methyl Butyrate 8.00 132 142-92-7 HexylAcetate 12.50 146 68514-75-0 Orange Phase Oil 25Xl.18%-Low Cit. 10.00177 14638 93-58-3 Methyl Benzoate 0.50 200 104-93-8 Para Cresyl MethylEther 0.20 176 1191-16-8 Prenyl Acetate 8.00 145 88-41-5 Verdox 3.00 22358430-94-7 Iso Nonyl Acetate 27.30 225 TOTAL: 100.00

When formulating fluid compositions for the present invention, one mayalso include solvents, diluents, extenders, fixatives, thickeners, orthe like. Non-limiting examples of these materials are ethyl alcohol,carbitol, diethylene glycol, dipropylene glycol, diethyl phthalate,triethyl citrate, isopropyl myristate, ethyl cellulose, and benzylbenzoate.

In some embodiments, the fluid composition may contain functionalperfume components (“FPCs”). FPCs are a class of perfume raw materialswith evaporation properties that are similar to traditional organicsolvents or volatile organic compounds (“VOCs”). “VOCs”, as used herein,means volatile organic compounds that have a vapor pressure of greaterthan 0.2 mm Hg measured at 20° C. and aid in perfume evaporation.Exemplary VOCs include the following organic solvents: dipropyleneglycol methyl ether (“DPM”), 3-methoxy-3-methyl-1-butanol (“MMB”),volatile silicone oil, and dipropylene glycol esters of methyl, ethyl,propyl, butyl, ethylene glycol methyl ether, ethylene glycol ethylether, diethylene glycol methyl ether, diethylene glycol ethyl ether, orany VOC under the tradename of Dowanol™ glycol ether. VOCs are commonlyused at levels greater than 20% in a fluid composition to aid in perfumeevaporation.

The FPCs of the present invention aid in the evaporation of perfumematerials and may provide a hedonic, fragrance benefit. FPCs may be usedin relatively large concentrations without negatively impacting perfumecharacter of the overall composition. As such, in some embodiments, thefluid composition of the present invention may be substantially free ofVOCs, meaning it has no more than 18%, alternatively no more than 6%,alternatively no more than 5%, alternatively no more than 1%,alternatively no more than 0.5%, by weight of the composition, of VOCs.The volatile composition, in some embodiments, may be free of VOCs.

Perfume materials that are suitable as a FPC may have a KI, as definedabove, from about 800 to about 1500, alternatively about 900 to about1200, alternatively about 1000 to about 1100, alternatively about 1000.

Exemplary perfume compositions are disclosed, for example, in U.S.patent application Ser. No. 14/024,673, Attorney Docket No. 12593,titled “INK JET DELIVERY SYSTEM COMPRISING AN IMPROVED PERFUME MIXTURE”.

The dimensions and values disclosed herein are not to be understood asbeing strictly limited to the exact numerical values recited. Instead,unless otherwise specified, each such dimension is intended to mean boththe recited value and a functionally equivalent range surrounding thatvalue. For example, a dimension disclosed as “40 mm” is intended to mean“about 40 mm.”

Every document cited herein, including any cross referenced or relatedpatent or application and any patent application or patent to which thisapplication claims priority or benefit thereof, is hereby incorporatedherein by reference in its entirety unless expressly excluded orotherwise limited. The citation of any document is not an admission thatit is prior art with respect to any invention disclosed or claimedherein or that it alone, or in any combination with any other referenceor references, teaches, suggests or discloses any such invention.Further, to the extent that any meaning or definition of a term in thisdocument conflicts with any meaning or definition of the same term in adocument incorporated by reference, the meaning or definition assignedto that term in this document shall govern.

While particular embodiments of the present invention have beenillustrated and described, it would be obvious to those skilled in theart that various other changes and modifications can be made withoutdeparting from the spirit and scope of the invention. It is thereforeintended to cover in the appended claims all such changes andmodifications that are within the scope of this invention.

1. A microfluidic delivery refill comprising: a reservoir having ahollow body and an opening; a transport member in fluid communicationwith the reservoir; a lid enclosing the opening of the reservoir,wherein the lid is in fluid communication with the transport member,wherein the lid comprises a rigid microfluidic delivery member having adie and electrical leads that are in electrical communication with thedie, wherein the electrical leads terminate at electrical contacts,wherein the electrical leads are disposed on only one plane, the diecomprising a fluid chamber in fluid communication with the transportmember at an inlet of the fluid chamber and an orifice at an outlet ofthe fluid chamber.
 2. The refill according to claim 1, wherein theelectrical contacts are spaced a distance of from about 5 mm to about 30mm from the die.
 3. The refill according to claim 1, wherein the rigidmicrofluidic delivery member comprises a rigid circuit board, whereinthe rigid circuit board is connected with the lid.
 4. The refillaccording to claim 1, wherein the electrical contacts and the die aredisposed on substantially parallel planes.
 5. The refill according toclaim 1, wherein the rigid circuit board has a thickness of from about0.8 mm to about 1.6 mm.
 6. The refill according to claim 1, wherein therigid microfluidic delivery member comprises a fiberglass-epoxycomposite.
 7. The refill according to claim 1, wherein the reservoircontains a fluid composition, wherein the fluid composition comprises aperfume composition.
 8. The refill according to claim 7, wherein thetransfer member is a porous structure that provides capillary forces towick the fluid composition from the reservoir and toward themicrofluidic delivery member, in opposition to the force of gravity. 9.The refill according to claim 1, wherein the orifice opens in adirection that is substantially perpendicular to the die and electricalcontacts.
 10. A thermally activated microfluidic delivery systemcomprising a housing and a fluid delivery refill releasably connectablewith the housing, wherein the fluid delivery refill comprises: areservoir having a hollow body and an opening; a lid enclosing theopening of the reservoir, the lid comprising a rigid microfluidicdelivery member having a die and electrical leads that are in electricalcommunication with the die, wherein the electrical leads terminate atelectrical contacts, wherein the electrical leads are disposed on onlyone plane, wherein the housing defines an interior and an exterior ofthe microfluidic delivery system, wherein the housing comprises a holdermember disposed in the interior space of the housing, wherein the fluiddelivery refill is slideably connectable with the holder member.
 11. Thesystem of claim 10, wherein the fluid delivery refill further comprisesa transport member in fluid communication with the reservoir and themicrofluidic delivery member.
 12. The system according to claim 10,wherein the electrical contacts are spaced a distance of from about 5 mmto about 30 mm from the die.
 13. The system according to claim 10,wherein the rigid microfluidic delivery member has a thickness of fromabout 0.8 mm to about 1.6 mm.
 14. The system according to claim 11,wherein the reservoir is configured to contain a fluid composition,wherein the fluid composition comprises a perfume composition.
 15. Thesystem according to claim 11, wherein the electrical contacts and thedie are disposed on substantially parallel planes.
 16. A method ofrefilling a thermally activated microfluidic delivery system with afluid delivery refill, wherein the fluid delivery refill comprisesreservoir having a hollow body and an opening, a lid enclosing theopening of the reservoir, wherein the lid comprises a microfluidicdelivery member having a die and electrical leads that are in electricalcommunication with the die, wherein the electrical leads terminate atelectrical contacts, wherein the electrical leads are disposed on onlyone plane, the method comprising the steps of: providing a housing thatdefines an interior and an exterior, wherein the housing comprises aholder member disposed in the interior of the housing; and sliding thefluid delivery refill into the holder member in a direction parallelwith the plane the electrical leads are disposed on.
 17. The methodaccording to claim 16, wherein the electrical contacts are spaced adistance of from about 5 mm to about 30 mm from the die.
 18. The methodaccording to claim 16, wherein the microfluidic delivery member has athickness of from about 0.8 mm to about 1.6 mm.
 19. The method accordingto claim 16, wherein the reservoir is configured to contain a fluidcomposition, wherein the fluid composition comprises a perfumecomposition.
 20. The method according to claim 16, wherein theelectrical contacts and the die are disposed on substantially parallelplanes.
 21. A microfluidic delivery refill comprising: a reservoirhaving a hollow body and an opening; a transport member in fluidcommunication with the reservoir; a lid enclosing the opening of thereservoir, wherein the lid is in fluid communication with the transportmember, wherein the lid comprises a rigid microfluidic delivery memberhaving a die and electrical leads that are in electrical communicationwith the die, wherein the electrical leads terminate at electricalcontacts, wherein the electrical contacts and the die are disposed onsubstantially parallel planes, the die comprising a fluid chamber influid communication with the transport member at an inlet of the fluidchamber and an orifice at an outlet of the fluid chamber. 22-31.(canceled)